Fragmented services, unmet needs: building collaboration between the mental health and domestic violence communities.

Abstract

The Domestic Violence and Mental Health Policy Initiative (DVMHPI) is an innovative project to address the unmet mental health needs of domestic violence survivors and their children and to develop models that integrate clinical and advocacy concerns. Overseeing a network of more than fifty community-based mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, and social service agencies, as well as city and state officials, the DVMHPI promotes collaboration and provides training and technical assistance to improve the capacity of local service systems to address the traumatic effects of abuse. This report highlights the importance of generating funding streams that promote collaboration.